About Il Gigante, Monterosso

The gigantic sculpture of Neptune overlooks the Italian riviera town of Monterosso del Mare making it a jaw dropping scene in Cinque Terra. This colossal structure was designed and built by Arrigo Minerbi, the Jewish Italian sculptor, who is also credited with the making of numerous cathedrals and for his bronze door on the Duomo in Milan. This concrete built sculpture was heavily destroyed by the allied bombing runs but still stood high in its position. Due to this it became the symbol of the town, marking resilience. At first you will find it to be merged in the rocky cliffs, however, its identity stays quite visible and stark if you look carefully.